Dynamics Model of Paramecium Galvanotaxis for Microrobotic Application

— We propose a dynamics model of galvanotaxis (locomotor response to electrical stimulus) of the protozoan Paramecium. Our purpose is to utilize microorganisms as microrobots by using galvanotaxis. For precise and advanced actuation, it is necessary to describe the dynamics of galvanotaxis in a mathematical and quantitative manner in the framework of robotics. However, until now the explanation of Paramecium galvanotaxis in previous works has remained only qualitative. In this paper, we construct a novel model of galvanotaxis as a minimal step to utilizing Paramecium cells as micro-robots. Numerical experiments for our model demonstrate realistic behaviors, such as U-turn motions, like those of real cells.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2005
• Where: ICRA
• Authors: Naoko Ogawa, Hiromasa Oku, Koichi Hashimoto, Masatoshi Ishikawa
• Keywords: Demonstrate Realistic Behaviors, Galvanotaxis, ICRA 2005, Protozoan Paramecium, Robotics